Seniors retire to active, interesting, vital lives

Well, some folks may have retired from their careers or from
being stay-at-home moms, but they certainly aren't withdrawing from
life and sitting in their rocking chairs feeling bored and
depressed as they realize they are no longer spring chickens.

Instead, they are out there enjoying those mature years.

Yes, these older, vital, active, interesting and interested
retirees are making good use of their time and enjoying another
chapter in their lives.

They are setting new goals. They are traveling more. They are
taking classes and teaching themselves how to get connected to
computers. And, they are golfing, dancing, training for marathons,
and sharing their knowledge and interests with others.

In Carlsbad, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, who are
making the most of retirement life. Even those in their 80s and
90s. See for yourself.

Rev. Gordon Baker, 87, who was the pastor at Pilgrim United
Church before he retired in 1981, still does baptisms, weddings,
funerals and occasionally preaches. For the last nine years, he has
been the director of the Carlsbad Literacy Center, which his wife,
Betty, started in 1971. He is an active member of the Rotary Club
of Carlsbad, he swims half a mile every day, and he participates in
the annual 5K CROP (Christian Rural Overseas Program) that raises
money for world hunger.

Inez Diedrich, 80, received her training to teach English as a
Second Language 40 years ago, and since moving to Carlsbad 10 years
ago, she has been teaching at the Carlsbad Literacy Center. She is
also on the board of the Women's Association at First Presbyterian
Church.

Betty Groves, 89, loves to garden, read and knit. She
volunteers at the Carlsbad City Library's Adult Learning Center,
where she often works with Carlsbad High School students. Admitting
that she is not one to sit still, Betty also makes and serves
breakfast at St. Michael's Church and volunteers at Brother Benno's
and with the Friends of the Oceanside Library.

Herb Kratze, 94, keeps alive his lifelong love of jazz by
organizing a jazz festival every year. His latest, with two bands,
two dance floors, and 250 attendees, was held in La Jolla on New
Year's Eve. Herb also continues to handle the finances of his
family's popcorn business in San Diego, he still reads two
newspapers daily and he loves to go out dancing and attend symphony
concerts.

Betty Maerkle, 85, went on the city payroll in 1962, and up
until a month ago when she had a minor heart attack, was still
working part time at the Carlsbad City Library. She hopes to be
back, since she admits that housework is no fun and the place to be
is out of the house.

Dorothy Dudley Muth, 87, was honored recently when she was
listed in the Marquis 2004 edition of "Who's Who in America."
Schooled in Shanghai and Paris, Dorothy has lived and traveled
around the world. She was the first woman appointed to the planning
commission in Inglewood, and she spent many years as an active
member of the Carlsbad Woman's Club and with several San Diego
organizations. Today Dorothy, who doesn't wear glasses or use a
hearing aid, writes and sells nonfiction articles to newspapers and
magazines, and since 1996, she has been serving on Carlsbad's
Historical Preservation Commission.